ear Parents/Carers,
At Eggbuckland Community College, we are committed to supporting every child in their educational journey, including addressing challenges related to emotional well-being. One concern that some students may face is emotional-based school avoidance, which can significantly impact both their academic and personal development.
What is Emotional-Based School Avoidance?
Emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA) refers to situations where a child may experience anxiety, fear, or distress that leads them to avoid attending school. Unlike truancy, which may be driven by other factors, EBSA is specifically related to the child’s emotional health and well-being.
Common symptoms can include:
• Excessive anxiety or worry about going to school
• Physical symptoms such as: stomach aches or nausea: headaches: sweating: feeling faint, dizzy or lightheaded: having a racing heart
• Crying, tantrums, or emotional outbursts related to school
• Difficulty separating from parents or caregivers in the morning
• Feeling overwhelmed or unsafe at school
• Struggling with social situations or academic pressure
How Can You Help as a Parent?
As a parent, you play a critical role in helping your child navigate these challenges. Here are some strategies to support your child:
1.Acknowledge Their Feelings:
Listen carefully to your child’s concerns about school, and validate their emotions without dismissing them. Reassure them that it’s okay, and very normal, to feel anxious, and that you're there to support them.
1.Keep Routines Consistent:
Establish and maintain a predictable routine, including consistent wake-up times, mealtimes, and bedtime schedules. Predictability can help ease anxiety and create a sense of stability.
2. Start Small:
If your child is reluctant to attend school, work with the school to create a gradual reintegration plan. This might include starting with short visits or attending part of the school day before increasing their attendance.
3.Communicate with the School:
Reach out to your child’s Tutor, Pastoral Leader or Head of Phase (or SEND Team if appropriate). We can work together to monitor your child’s emotional state and develop tailored support strategies. Clear communication is vital in managing EBSA effectively.
5.Encourage Open Communication:
Encourage your child to express their worries about school. Sometimes, identifying specific triggers (e.g., social issues, bullying, workload stress) can help address the root causes of avoidance. Using a journal or daily diary can help with this.
5. Focus on Positive Reinforcement:
Celebrate small achievements and progress, whether it’s getting through part of the school day or managing a difficult situation. Positive reinforcement can help boost their confidence and motivation.
6. Promote Relaxation Techniques:
Teach your child relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or calming activities, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
7. Consider Professional Support:
If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, seeking professional help from a counsellor or mental health professional who specialises in children and adolescents may be beneficial. As a College, we work specifically with the following: Kooth, Mental Health Support Team (Livewell South West), The Zone Plymouth and Young Devon. Many of these organisations accept self or parental referral.
What is the School Doing to Help?
We take the emotional well-being of our students seriously and will work with you to provide support when your child is experiencing EBSA. The school’s pastoral care and SEND teams can offer emotional support, create a safe environment for your child, and assist in overcoming barriers to attendance. We may also engage with external services, such as educational psychologists or therapy services, to support your child’s emotional health.
We’re Here to Support You
If you have concerns about your child’s emotional-based school avoidance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can help your child feel safe, supported, and confident as they continue their education.
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